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Seven Cherokee ClansThe clan of an individual is traditionally inherited through the maternal side of the family. Clan members are considered brothers and sisters and it is forbidden to marry within your clan. When seeking spiritual guidance, it is necessary to know your clan. The proper seating at ceremonial gatherings is organized by clan.
The Bird Clan are known as messengers. The belief that birds are messengers between earth and heaven, or the People and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. The subdivisions are Raven, Turtle Dove and Eagle. Earned Eagle feathers are presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. The Blue Clan has subdivisions of the Panther, or Wildcat and Bear. Bear is the oldest clan. This clan produced many people who were able to make special medicines for the children. The Deer Clan are fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living amongst them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. The Long Hair Clan has subdivisions of Twister, Wind, and Strangers, are known to be a very peaceful clan. The Peace Chief usually comes from this clan. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes, and others with no Cherokee tribe were often adopted into this clan, thus the name "Strangers." The Paint Clan is known for prominent medicine people. Medicine is often "painted" on a patient after harvesting, mixing and performing other aspects of the ceremony. The Wild Potato Clan is known as the "keepers of the land," and gatherers of food. There is a subdivision known as Blind Savannah. The wild potato was a main staple of the older Cherokee life back east (Tsa-la-gi U-we-ti). The Wolf Clan is usually the largest clan. Wolves are known as protectors. The War Chief comes from this clan. |
